CHICAGO –  Yesterday, the entire Junior Class of the Noble Network of Charter Schools met with admissions and alumni representatives from over 160 colleges and universities at the UIC Pavilion during Noble's 9th annual College Fair. 

Noble students' success at earning admission to college provided an attractive opportunity for colleges from across the state and the country to meet thousands of public school students exploring options for the next stage of their academic journey. Noble students, in turn, were able to meet representatives from multiple universities, ask questions, share contact information, and explore many different college options.

"By the time they reach the fair, Noble students have already had several years of exposure to college through campus visits, information sessions, and academic courses," said Eric Rapp, Noble's Director of College Partnerships. "They are now in the important stage of choosing a college and program that is the best fit for them and their families, and having so many great schools and motivated students in one place together is a can't-miss opportunity. We are so proud of our students and all they will accomplish in college." 

During the fair, students visited the “Honors Concourse," which featured Ivy League schools plus the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, the “Illinois Concourse," which hosted all 12 of Illinois’ public universities, and met representatives from more than 100 additional colleges and universities who are hoping to receive applications from Noble students.

Noble is the largest network of charter public schools in Chicago and serves a population that is 98% minority and 89% low-income. Last year, 97% of all graduating Noble seniors were accepted to four-year universities. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, one in five African-American freshmen are graduates of a Noble charter high school in Chicago. At the University of Michigan, more minority freshmen are from Chicago’s Noble charter schools than the rest of CPS combined.